icefisherman

You'll love it. I install one on my Yahama High Thurst last summer and can't believe I was trolling without it before. Mine is the new version though with the LCD screen (PRO III). Cheers, Ice Fisherman

Rob, less/smaller holes, more flexible screen positions and easy removal are some of the advantages of the RAM mounts I've read about. You sure can mount your new 525 on one of those Cheers, Ice Fisherman

Hey Rick, another great day with your son I am sure...and with fish in the hut...hey who is complaining right?;-)) Noooooooooo-bodyyyyyyyy ;-)) I'll email you in case I can get away in the next week or so. Cheers, Ice Fisherman

Gerritt, love those pictures Bud. Mine should look similar when done ;-) What size ball are yours? Same question - have you noticed any vibrations when using your boat in windy/wavy weather or going WOT? Cheers, Ice Fisherman

They only have one 2" ball and it is simply too big/too expensive and over killed I think for my screens. My issue is the 1" ball is cheaper...Cabelas sells it too and I've read great reviews from their customer who bought it.... 1.5" would be more stable but it comes with a price - $25 more for two mounts delivered to my door. When using the RAM web site calculator it automatically tells you to go with the 1.5" longer arm one....RAM-111U. It might be too long for my windshield space though. So I guess I have to go short arm....and remaining issue is 1" vs. 1.5" ball size... fishindevil, have you noticed any vibrations of your screen when using the 1" size? I hate ordering the wrong one as exchanging it will cost me more (double shipping + restocking fees) than what I'll save by going 1" now. Cheers, Ice Fisherman

Anyone using RAM mounts on their boat? I'd appreciate your comments as to their quality/reliability? There are so many sizes ....will I need 1" ball or 1.5" ? And short vs. long arm considering I need to fit it under the windshield of my Lund 1700 Pro Sport. Want to mount one LMS 525 and one LMS 520 at the helm and network them together. Here are the three I am chosing from: http://www.gpscity.ca/item-ram-mount-marin...l/ramb111-a.htm http://www.gpscity.ca/item-ram-mount-recta...ll/ram111-b.htm http://www.gpscity.ca/item-ram-mount-marin...ball/ram111.htm Any local place selling RAM mounts with good prices (should I not find two used ones)? Thank you. Cheers, Ice Fisherman

Nice picture Lady Now let me know when you let the Big guy free so I can come and join him ha ha ha Cheers, Ice Fisherman

Had to take advantage of the nice day today...started bright and early with 1.7km walk. Snow was quite deep in spots and walking was very difficult...other spots almost no snow....all in all though...not a pleasant walk at all. Got one white fish in the first 30 min but after getting it on the ice it slipped from my hands and bam went down head first in the other hole. Not to self- drill ONLY one hole (not one for each rod and one for the fishfinder) as sometime those holes work against me). Fishing was slow...I knew with such rapid weather change (from -20 to +3 to -20) yesterday/today/tomorrow fish may not be in feeding mood and I sure was right. Kept seeing snowmobiles flying all over the lake in search of productive spots but have only seen one other fish been caught (heard later of few more been caught). Right when I was wandering how in the world I'll make it back my good buddy Don calls and minutes later finds me bussing in with his brand spanking new snowmobile. Nice machine Don and appreciate your company and saving my but from walking couple more km's today....please put it in your calendar....boat trip on Lake O/Lake Erie at your convenience on my boat this summer. Location change and marking lot of fish but no takers....they came....looked...and went....didn't show much interest n our presentation. Had to work VERY HARD not to get skunked today. What a difference 2 weeks make...2 weeks ago I was having problem keeping the lakers off my hook....today....well let's just say I got lucky to get two hits and get my limit...kind of 100% success rate 75 to 105 fow. First one on Williams Green eye, second one 30 seconds before we leave on the minnow line (thanks for the minnows Don). Here are couple shots from the day: Cheers, Ice Fisherman

Good work out there Sinker. Even your pictures look COLD brother Just PM-ed you. Cheers, Ice Fisherman

Hi Larry and appreciate your involvement Bud! I am sure lot of us on this board can use your kind assistance on Navionics. I've been on all recent shows but will not be able to make it this year. I'll email you my info in a minute and look forward to chatting with you there. Cheers, Ice Fisherman

Got new Lowrance and am looking to buy a new Navionics card for it.....can't decide between the Gold+ and the Platinum card. Any one used/have seen both? I'd appreciate all comments and advice. Cheers, Ice Fisherman

Joe, your post reminded me I wanted to grab one of those....called and my local store had ONE...just went and picked it up few minutes ago. Best thing to do is try to find which store close to you have one and go and grab it instead of waiting for stock on a rain check....it may never happen. Just make few phone calls...they are usually pretty good holding it for you until you go and buy it. It seems to be pretty gopod sled ....I've been using double kids sled but this one is taller and shorter so it'll fit in my car easier and even has spot for my auger. Will try it on the next whities/lakers trip ;-) Cheers, Ice Fisherman

Started bright and early with Chuck and headed right to the deep....easy walk and we found plenty of ice. Even snowmobiles were running around. It was mainly lakers day....one after another....got 7-8 of them (all released) while trying to get my second whitie....oh well...not complaining as first day on Simcoe for the big boys 2 lakers and a whitie is not bad...Chuck got 2 lakers as well. Meegs and Williams did all the damage. Had great company on the ice and a succesful day...what can one ask for?!? With temps between -20 and -30 next week it should make for a great ice and long ice fishing season Here is what we've kept: Cheers, Ice Fisherman

Managed to find a buddy of mine for a company today. Started at 7:30am and both of us came home with our limit. Had to sort through a lot of dinks though...was surprised to not see too many fish been caught by others and we must have passed by hundreds of fishermen...it was like mini-Toronto on the ice today. We were lucky as we had fish under our holes for most of the day. Over 6"-7" of ice where we were. Time now to get ready for the big boys next weekend - lakers and whities. Hope we have enough ice in their grounds by next weekend. One shot from today as it was nice day but very cold with the NW wind for most of the day. Cheers, Ice Fisherman

Hey Rick, things are great Bud! MarCum is in good shape all charged and ready for action as well. Not sure where did you email me but can't find an email from you on all my email addresses. I'll PM you now my email adress. I'll try calling you tonight on the phone. May have good news for you in case you are interested in Lowrance group purchase. Cheers, Ice Fisherman

Well I am also on the market for a new color sonar/GPS unit (possibly two screens using the same GPS/Transducer connected together with network and ethernet cables). Similar to Brian's idea but more advanced ;-) I'd suggest all of us who are on the market now to get together and I think I can setup a deal where we all save big.... I did speak to Josh this week but his prices now are not as good as they normaly are, mainly because of the exchange rate. So, PM me if you are serious and on the market for a new unit and let's work together to save some money (which we'll spend on more fishing stuff) ha ha ha Cheers, Ice Fisherman

My opinion is the Gas Advantage is the better option. I've been using it for 2 years and have saved tons of money with it. Here is the simple recipe: If you spend (in the last month) $2000+, the following month all your gas purchasses will be discounted with $10c/littre If you spent $1000-$2000, discount is 8c/littre If you spent $500-$1000, discount is 5c/littre If you spend $0-$500, discount is 2c/littre Run ALL your bills on the card, pay them in full every month and get 10c/littre discount each and every time you fill up right at the pump. GREAT DEAL if you ask me as 10c/littre discount on current prices is almost 15% discount. NO OTHER card offers better discount anywhere! Can't go wrong on this one. Cheers, Ice Fisherman

Waoo I am suprised of the great number of people owning MarCum unit and an happy to see all of them like their machines. I am one of the first (if not the first) MarCum LX-5 owner in Canada and cannot say anything bad about it. Not only it does great job, not only it drives creasy all the Vex owners near me on the ice but it is so practical and user friendly it is pleasure to work with it. And it also LOOKS GREAT with it's red case (included in the price by the way) not to have to buy it afterwords. Not to repeat Goran's facts....my advice...go for LX-5 and you'll LOVE IT!!! And few pictures will tell/show you better than any words: Cheers, Ice Fisherman

I knew it'll be tough decision guys Is that side imaging thing as big of a deal as some people claim to be? I guess this is the one future Humminbird has more than Lowrance... What about connecting my Lowrance VHF radio? Can it be connected to a Humminbird FF/GPS unit or do I have to have Lowrance one for that connection to happen? Cheers, Ice Fisherman

OK, it is the "Upgrade your toys" season again. On the top of my list is new color fishfinder/GPS unit. Color for sure. Humminbird vs. Lowrance. Would like to start a discussion with those who have experienced both and can compare their own experience. I am mostly trolling the Great Lakes but do some Simcoe white fish/trout jogging/perch/bass fishing as well. Have Lowrance VHF radio that would be nice to connect to the new fishfinder/GPS unit. Let the Ford vs. Chevy game begin Cheers, Ice Fisherman

Hate checking here daily and not seeing any reports so here is one from today: Well after deciding in the last minute for Lake O. and against Lake Simcoe I think it was wise decision. Started late as my son for the first time ever changed his mind in the last moment and refused coming with me So there I go alone...started fishing close to 9am in 240 fow...and moving deep...I was getting fish every 15 min....7-10 Lbs each...not bad ...fog was thicker than cheese....couldn't see the fish when fighting it behind the boat...what did people do before the GPS age?!? Got 4-5 in a raw and it died...kept moving deep and even deeper...got to 370.....NADA...hmmmm.....turned around...got to about 345 and man oh man....fire storm started... and only good size ones too....mid teens ...lost a huge one...must have been close to 20 Lbs after it went 5 times under the boat finally got my line into the prop ;D Lost track of how many times I had to replace that particular lure this season...JB Fishing Depot here I come again tomorrow for bunch more.... :-[ :'( Amazing fight from all fish today though...unbelievable how those fish fight at this time of the year....waoooooooooooooo.....larger fish in the summer don’t fight as good...TONS of fun for sure today.... Lake was almost like a mirror at the end and small chop earlier - perfect conditions ...just the fog...couldn’t see the sun all morning.... Had to leave by Noon in the midst of all the action... Final score....I think ....12 hooked....just one (the big one) lost....kept 4 for the BBQ and let the rest go....hope to fight them again when they get bigger Tech data: 3 mph, 240 to 370 fow, 55-60 feet down, Michael Jackson and Green/Black NK 28. Only run two rods as I was alone but still got plenty of action. All Kings today...after getting tons of bows during the season couldn't find a single bow today Such fun in November....can't beat it....who knows may even try again next week. By the way....if others are launching there - most docks are taken out at Port Credit. The worst ones are still there... Few shots from the day: Cheers, Ice Fisherman

Gave the largest fish to a co-worker and kept just couple of the small ones for the BBQ. He's been bugging me for some fresh fish for a long time and got his wish fullfilled for Thanksgiving Cheers, Ice Fisherman

One more trip to the deep yesterday. With the nice weather this time of the year – simply couldn’t stay home. Haven’t been to Simcoe forever it seems. Perch was there in numbers but not the size I was hoping for. Took the wife and both my sons. It was the first boat trip for the younger one - 9 months old. He loved it. Had great day at Sibbald PP and the older one had fun catching lots of doubles. My role was mostly baiting and releasing fish. Oh well....seems this is the route ahead ha ha ha. After a great season chasing the big guys in the big water playing with few perch was refreshing... Speaking of the big water...this is where we went the next day...with CatNip II straight to the Blue Zone first thing in the morning. 2 riggers, two lead core lines and two dipsy lines. Some waves in the morning...slow bite to start...then we found them as we got deep (360-370 fow). Good action and some missed ones as well. Got a major line tangle that we had to cut both my lead core lines and continue fishing only with the riggers and dipsys. The magic dept was 65’ down. Green/black NK28 was the best with black/purple, black/white doing well also. Right when we were to head back some strange fog looking air start forming to the west of us. Clear and sunny to the west but the city line has totally disappeared...the closer we got to Port Credit launch the ticker this thing became...it was so bad we were about 100’ from the big rusty ship when we saw it. Waves were bigger on the return trip but we were lucky they were coming kind of sideways to our desired direction. All in all one more great trip to the deep with nice company on board - CatNip II and my son had fun learning different rope knots. Not ready to winterize the boat yet...depending on weather may try it again. Here are few shots from the day. Cheers, Ice Fisherman

What a beauty fishing day it was today!!! Started late as it took me a while to launch by myself - my 3 year old son was helping too So about 8:30am first rod in and 10 seconds later the first hit....missed it as I was busy working on the second rod. Oh well....slow next 1 hour...and right when Catnip 2 found me on the radio and head my way the action started. Both riggers kept firing one after another...wished I had couple more hands on board...lost track but must have hooked 15+ fish and lost half and got the other half in the boat...Had couple double headers as well ... With the help of my son and my old net(needs urgent replacement) we've got some nice bows. Biggest was 13 Lbs 3 Ozs and bunch smaller between 6-10 Lbs. One of the bow had some sort of a spine problem as you can see from the picture bellow. Last fish was a nice BBQ size King and I had to go about Noon or so. Left Catnip 2 there and I am sure he got tons more after I left. I kept seeing him fighting them from a distance ;D Have never launched from Port Credit before but what a nice facility there and free too...can't beat that Even cleaned our fish there... Tech data: 365 fow, 45-50 feet down. Tried flies but no luck, changed to spoons and got all but last King on the riggers. The King came on the 10 colors leadcore. Black/green, NBK and Black/Purple NK28's did the damage. Speed around 3mph. Since we both did so well with Catnip 2, I was surprised to see two huge charter boats arriving shortly after me to the dock with not so good results - one with one fish the other one with 2 fish...those huge boats must be burning tons of fuel and each had 7-8 customers...I can imagine they must have not been very happy with the catch. Wondering if they got free charter next time : Here are few shots from the day: Catnip 2 in action: And the result of a great day. What more can one ask for. My son's smile says it all: Cheers, Ice Fisherman

After few weeks brake I gave the bows today was the day to check on them again. Sure enough they didn't disappoint... Must have got 35 or so fish at the boat site...lost track after a while...We've had four double headers of which we've only lost one fish and got all the others to the boat! Great majority of the fish caught were released with 4-5 smaller ones kept for the BBQ...Some did pretty good acrobatics today so they’ve deserved their freedom back ;-) Mostly bows from 4 to 15 Lbs but got few Kings in mid teens. 30-40 feet down in 370 fow. 2.7-2.8 mps, black/green spoon did most damage, but black/purple, black/white and blue/silver all got fish as well. Very violent hits especially on the riggers...glad I kept loose drags or just might have lost a rod or two ;D Did lose one spoon that a huge bow took down to the bottom Oh well...part of the game I guess... Started at 6am and stopped about 11am when they slowed down. Great day on the water....almost no wind....the small black flies were getting on my nervs at one point though.... Was considering waiting for the air show but got too hot so we called the day.... Here are few shots from the day: Cheers, Ice Fisherman